Musical Film: Journey to Bethlehem

A young woman carrying an unimaginable responsibility. A young man torn between love and honour. A jealous king who will stop at nothing to keep his crown. JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM — a live-action Christmas musical adventure for the entire family, opens in theaters November 10. In light of the film’s opening, Adam Anders took time to answer our questions about faith, his debut directing a Hollywood blockbuster, and his favourite childhood Christmas memories.

1. It is evident that your faith influences the art you create, but it seems as though your art also influences your faith. Explain your own relationship between your art and your faith.

I think faith and art have always been intertwined. All the great artists in history were people of faith and their art bears that out. Everything I do is influenced by my faith, I can’t separate the two. It is in the very fabric of who I am, and I truly believe all creativity is a gift from the creator.

2. Writer, director, producer, music creator: the list goes on. You had a hand in almost every aspect of this film - which role was most rewarding for you?

Directing is definitely the most rewarding role for me because if uses all of my creativity, while the others use just one aspect each. That is what drew me to directing in the first place.  I have been blessed to have had a very successful career, but in directing, I found my calling.

3. Thinking back to when you were a child, what are some of your favourite family memories around Christmastime?

My favourite Christmas was a year when my family actually lived in an RV.  I grew up in ministry and in missions work and so one year we had to sell our house and we just started traveling and singing all over the nation in an RV.  This became my favorite place to celebrate Christmas.  It was small, cozy, and had everything we needed: our family, love, and a very clear picture of what Christmas is about.  It wasn’t about a bunch of gifts - because we couldn’t afford any!

To preview the trailer for this film, please click here. 

Adam Anders is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker and musician. At the age of 13 he was accepted into the University of South Florida jazz program and graduated at the age of 16. His work in the entertainment industry has landed him four Grammy Award nominations, two Gold Globe Awards, 2 People’s Choice Awards, and an ARIA Award. He wrote, directed and produced JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM starring Fiona Palomo, Milo Manheim, and Antonio Bandaras as King Herod, in theatres everywhere November 10.

Additional Photos from Journey to Bethlehem